How to Make a Netting Shuttle
Making and mending fishing nets predates the pyramids of Egypt. Shuttles were used to weave fishnets, hammocks and many other woven items of the ancient world. Making fish nets by hand is still an art-form that has changed little in over 10,000 years. The shuttle is simple to make and is that same as used by ancient fisherman long ago.
Materials Needed:
- A piece of hard wood: 12 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1/4 inches thick
- Pencil
- Whettle knife
- Drill with 1/4 inch drill bit
- Vise
- Coping saw
Procedure:
- Measure from the end edge of the shuttle 1 1/2 inches down.
- Draw an outline like an arrowhead or spear head. From the width, sloping and angled to a blunt point.
- Whittle this shape into an arrowhead-like shape.
- Whittle at the other end, starting 1 inch from the edges, carve a 2-inch notch.
- Measure 1 inch from the side. Mark that crossing point with the pencil.
- Measure 1/4 inch from the above first crossing point. Mark that point with the pencil.
- Measure 3/4 inch from the edges of the above 1/4-inch measurement. Make measurement equal. Mark those points on each side edge.
- Measure from the above 3/4-inch marks, 1 inch down the body of the shuttle.
- What you should have is a U shape with the open end of the U facing the notched end.
The center of the U should measure 1 inch.
The top of the shuttle should have 1 1/2 inches of space before the first 1/4-inch mark which is the opening of the U.
You will be making a spindle in the center of the shuttle that is 1 inch long. - Draw the outline of the spindle.
- Using your drill, CAREFULLY outline the spindle with 1/4-inch holes down the sides of the U creating the spindle in the center of the shuttle. You want to remove the wood between the edge and the center spindle. Do not break the center piece of wood.
- Whittle the excess wood from the sides and spindle.
- Sand and smooth the rough edges.
- Shape the spindle and the front arrowhead shape so it is angled like a knife, blunted at the end, yet pointed, but not sharp.